As I watched Francisco Rodriguez fall down on the mound in pain last night against the Tribe, I couldn’t help but wonder… is K Rod really hurting that bad? Or did he fall on his face because he just got bitch slapped by the Tribe on national TV? I’d have to say that it was probably a little of both. Prior to entering the last night’s game, Rodriguez had been a perfect 3 – 3 in save opportunities…with the same bum ankle. After getting shelled last night, it was revealed that Rodriguez has been playing with not just one bad ankle but two. K Rod owners shouldn’t push the panic button just yet, but they should certainly monitor this situation over the next few weeks. As of right now Rodriguez is listed as day-to-day and he may be able to avoid a stint on the DL. I’d make sure you pick-up Scott Shields just to cover your back in case the injury keeps K Rod on the shelf for an extended period of time.

Four…the number of times that Derek Jeter has landed on the disabled list during his storied 14 year career. The Yankee Captain could find himself on the DL for a fifth time if his quad injury doesn’t improve over the next several days. An MRI exam performed on the Jeter’s left quad showed a strain, and Manager Joe Girardi admitted it will be a few days, if not longer, before Jeter returns to action. Jeter’s battled through lingering injuries before and should be able to do so again. He may miss some time, but there’s certainly nothing to worry about long term.

I would formally like to nominate Rich Harden for the Mark Prior Lifetime Achievement Award for constantly getting our hopes up and constantly letting us down. The oft-injured pitcher is hurt…AGAIN…and has been scratched for tonight's game in Toronto with back soreness, specifically in the lat area. Harden was dominant in his first two starts going 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA and 15 K’s in 11 innings and appeared to have finally gotten over the injury hump. OK, maybe he didn’t get over the hump, but it was certainly encouraging. There are now three certainties in life; death, taxes and Rich Harden = Injury. Harden is officially just another Mark Prior and should no longer be looked at in fantasy baseball play for anything other a great spot start or two. If you can somehow trade him for anyone that has a spec of fantasy baseball value do it and do it now. You may not get another chance.

Other injuries to note:

AL

Howie Kendrick left Monday’s game with a thumb injury - listed as day to day.  Cliff Floyd was scratched from Monday’s gme with a bum knee – listed as questionable but most likely DL-bound. David DeJesus is still sidelined with an ankle injury – listed as questionable. Chad Gaudin will come off the DL and start tonight in place of Rich Harden. Placido Polanco is still sidelined with a back injury – listed as questionable for April 8 at Boston. Erik Bedard is scheduled to make his start tonight against the Devil Rays after missing his last start with a strained hip. Jason Giambi is questionable for April 8-10 series at Kansas City.

NL

Michael Barrett is expected to go on 15-day DL with an elbow injury. He’s out until at least late April. Ty Wigginton (thumb) is doubtful for April 8-9 vs. St. Louis. Roy Oswalt (biceps) is scheduled to make his next start vs. Florida on 4/11. Jeremy Hermida was activated off the DL and is probable for April 9-10 at Washington. Randy Winn is limited to pinch hitting with a leg injury. He’s questionable for April 8-9 vs. San Diego. Adam LaRoche is available for pinch-hitting with a thumb injury. He’s questionable for April 9-10 series vs. Chicago Cubs.